Long backups over slick, icy Snoqualmie Pass

Several collisions and spin-outs caused a closure Friday afternoon in Snoqualmie Pass.

Several collisions and spin-outs caused a closure Friday afternoon in Snoqualmie Pass.

Photo: WSDOT

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Several collisions and spin-outs caused a closure Friday afternoon in Snoqualmie Pass.

Several collisions and spin-outs caused a closure Friday afternoon in Snoqualmie Pass.

Photo: WSDOT

Long backups over slick, icy Snoqualmie Pass

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Traffic moved, albeit fitfully, over Snoqualmie Pass on Friday night after multiple spin-outs and collisions in the slick, snowy conditions forced temporary closures of Interstate 90 in both directions earlier in the day, according to the Washington State Patrol and state Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

WSDOT reported several wrecks near Indian John Hill and Elk Heights in the area of milepost 90, which prompted the closures late Friday afternoon. The agency also reported heavy snowfall and blowing snow on Snoqualmie Pass with poor visibility and icy roads, causing hazardous driving conditions.

Both WSDOT and the State Patrol reopened the roadway by 4:30 p.m., but WSDOT indicated that the travel time between North Bend and Ellensburg was more than two hours in each direction well into Friday evening, compared to the average time of 78 minutes.

Chains were required in both directions, except for all-wheel-drive vehicles, while oversized vehicles were prohibited. The air temperature was only 18 degrees on the pass most of the evening, according to WSDOT.